Deryck Shaw's career path is a little unusual in that he has run his own consulting business since graduating more than three decades ago.

Rotorua's largest tertiary institute has announced plans to construct a new multi-million dollar building in the city.

Some high-profile Maori say there will be a loss of identity and culture at Waiariki Institute of Technology if a proposed merger with Bay of Plenty Polytechnic goes ahead.

The finalists have been revealed for this year's Westpac Rotorua Business Excellence Awards - but the hard work is just beginning.